YPC Emerging Leaders Summit

Description

Welcome to the YPC Emerging Leaders Summit, where dreams come alive, and change is ignited! This extraordinary one-day event is designed to empower young professionals like you who are dreamers, changemakers, and innovators, to unleash their potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. Get ready to embark on a transformative journey that will leave you inspired and motivated to make a positive impact in your community.
 
Join us as we activate your curiosity, opening doors to new personal and professional growth opportunities. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and plant your roots deep within our vibrant community.
 
With over 160 young professionals coming together, this day-long exploration promises to be an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in captivating keynote speeches, engaging panel discussions, and empowering change-maker sessions. This is your chance to connect with the leaders of today and tomorrow, as we unite to create a better future.
 
Remember: we are all in this together. So, come and be a part of the 2026 YPC Emerging Leaders Summit, where your dreams take flight and your leadership journey begins. 

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US:

• Discover, develop and refine your leadership skills
• Connect with other young professionals 
• Learn from successful inspirational presenters and peers
• It's going to be a fantastic and fun-filled day!

The YPC Emerging Leaders Summit brings together regional leaders, innovators, and professionals for a day of practical insights and meaningful conversations around leadership, growth, and career development. Hear from experienced executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders as they share real world strategies you can apply immediately.

Emcee

Kate Yarbro
Wood & Huston Bank

Kate Yarbro will guide the day’s program, keeping the energy high while connecting attendees with the insights and conversations that define the Summit experience.

Opening Speaker

2025 Young Professional of the Year
Speaker to be announced!

Kick off the day with inspiration from the Cape Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year as they share lessons learned, leadership insights, and encouragement for the next generation of emerging leaders.

Panel Discussion

Empathy in the Workplace

9:25 AM to 10:00 AM

Strong leadership starts with understanding people. This panel explores how empathy can strengthen workplace culture, improve communication, and create more effective teams.

Panelists

Dana Thomas
Owner, BOLD Marketing

Taylor Kirn
HR Business Partner, Delta Companies

Becky Swoboda
Management Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University

Breakout Sessions

Confidence Code

10:45 AM to 11:30 AM

Grace Davis
Litigation Attorney, Bradshaw, Steele, Cochrane, Berens & Billmeyer, L.C.

Confidence is one of the most powerful leadership tools. This session explores how professionals can develop confidence, speak with authority, and step into leadership opportunities with clarity.

Ethical Leadership

10:45 AM to 11:30 AM

Dr. Jim Caldwell
Director of International Business Programs and Professor of Management
Southeast Missouri State University

Learn how ethical leadership shapes organizations, builds trust, and creates long term impact in both business and community leadership roles.

Refocus

11:35 AM to 12:20 PM

Nate Gautier
Branch Manager, The Bank of Missouri

In a fast paced professional world, the ability to reset priorities and maintain focus is critical. This session provides practical insight into staying aligned with your goals and leading with intention.

Think Like an Executive

11:35 AM to 12:20 PM

A panel of CEOs and executives from multiple industries will share how leaders approach decision making, strategic thinking, and long term vision.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch catered by The Southerner, giving attendees time to connect, network, and continue conversations with fellow professionals.

Keynote Session

The Sale

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Alex Demczak
CEO, ShareYourStory.com
Three time author and keynote speaker

Alex Demczak closes the Summit with an engaging keynote on the art of influence, communication, and leadership. Learn how storytelling, connection, and authentic communication can transform the way you lead and sell ideas.

• All day Summit access
• Networking with 160+ young professionals
• Interactive breakouts and informational sessions
• Coffee, breakfast, and lunch
• Summit swag and networking cards